My wife and I are planning to ferry from Port Angeles to Victoria on December 31 to see the holiday decorations at Butchart Gardens after dark -- we're wondering what we should do after that, about 8pm or so? We'd welcome suggestions for dinner and then other things to do leading up to 12 midnight. Thanks.

I'm no help as I'd prefer just to stay home. But I'm wondering if you will have a harbour view room. If so, you could watch the fireworks, assuming there will be some.

The restaurants on the harbour are not really the best of Victoria dining, but you could go for dinner nearby the harbour and then walk to there for the fireworks.

What types of things do you like? Would you like a clubby party atomosphere, and friendly upscale neighbourhood pub, or a quiet evening with jazz?

http://events.canada.com/Act/Search/...y=Victoria,+BC

http://www.vicstart.com/restaurants/downtown.htm

http://www.oceanislandvictoriaguide.com/nightlife.html

Personally, my husband and I are probably either going to Swan's Brewpub or the Fernwood Inn. Swan's will likely have a rock and roll cover band, and middle-aged people dancing and having a ball. The Fernwood has better food than Swan's, likely a more jazzy band, but is usually a bit quieter.

The best views of the inner harbour are from the Delta Hotel, which will be pricey for dinner, or from Milestones, which has passable chain-restaurant food.

For dinner downtown I would suggest Paggliacci (no reservations, reasonable price, fun) the Tapa Bar (hard to get in, moderate price) or Cafe Brio (really expensive but worth it, a bit of a walk from downtown but safe).

Also, walk thru the Empress and Conference Centre even if you are not staying there, to see the festival of trees.

Tuesday for a taste of real Canadiana, you could go to one of the levees, the best being the one at Government House. Or you could have a great brunch at Mole!

I agree with the Tapa Bar and Mole! I'd also consider the upstairs lounge in Ferris' Oyster Bar (NOT the downstairs) for a really relaxed loft vibe, maybe on NY eve?

A matter of taste - I personally really like Milestones but don't consider it as it's closed for renos right now. Also did not like the tree thing at the Empress but the hotel itself is pretty cool if you haven't seen anything like it.

Have fun!

The Irish Times Pub has great food and I would think has something going on for New Year's. It our favorite place to eat when we go to Victoria. If you want something kind of fancy in the downtown area Bravo is an excellent restaurant with delicious food as well.

I believe Victoria has a First Night Celebration as well. Which is a family oriented non-alcohol celebration. Music and entertainment, etc. Do a search on google to see if something comes up for that if your interested.

Cheers